Organ Auditions Guide 2015-2016

Appalachian State University Hayes School of Music • Boone, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Dec. 5, Jan. 16, 30, Feb. 13, 27
Application deadline: March 15
Repertoire: One pre-1800 work; two post-1800 works, at least one being from the 20th century.
828-262-3020belljr@appstate.eduAppalachian State University

Arizona State University • Tempe, Ariz.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: Yes
Audition dates: Jan. 25, Feb. 9, 26
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: One pre-Bach work; one major Bach work; one post-Bach work that is suitable for performance on the Fritts organ (no swell box or pistons), for a total of 12–15 minutes (bachelor’s) or 20 minutes (master’s and doctoral).
Additional materials required at audition: Sight-reading and interview.
602-909-2810kimberly.marshall@asu.eduArizona State University

Baylor University • Waco, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Jan. 16, 30, Feb. 27
Application deadline: Feb. 1
Repertoire: Undergraduate: one Bach prelude and fugue, or a comparable work; one 19th-century work and one 20th-century work in contrasting styles; all major and minor scales and arpeggios (four octaves in 16ths). Graduate performance: an audition program, at least 30 minutes, of solo repertoire from three periods. Graduate church music: a similar program of at least 20 minutes.
254-710-6509isabelle_demers@baylor.eduBaylor University

Biola University Conservatory of Music • La Mirada, Calif.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: contact music@biola.edu
Application deadline: Feb. 1
Repertoire: one Baroque work, one Romantic work; one contemporary work (up to 2 of the above pieces may be played on the piano); sight-reading
562-903-4892music@biola.eduBiola University Conservatory of Music

Brigham Young University–Idaho • Rexburg, Idaho
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Jan. 29 or by arrangement
Application deadline: Jan. 15
Repertoire: One Bach work; one work from another period; one hymn.
Additional materials required at audition: At the piano, one major and one minor scale in parallel motion (four octaves) and contrary motion (two octaves), and one major and one minor arpeggio (four octaves). Applicants with no organ background but strong piano skills may be considered for organ study by performing a keyboard work of Bach and a significant work from another period on the piano.
208-496-4964kerrd@byui.eduBrigham Young University

Central Michigan University • Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Jan. 29, Feb. 13, 27, March 4
Application deadline: Nov. 15
Repertoire: Undergraduate: combined manual and pedal memorized major scales (if applicant has experience with this); one Bach work (a prelude and fugue or chorale prelude); one 19th-, 20th-, or 21st-century work; one hymn of applicant’s choosing; memorization encouraged. Applicants with a strong piano background who wish to major in organ may prepare all major and harmonic minor scales (four octaves) and the following repertoire: a Bach work or a Classical work; a Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary work. Graduate: one major Bach work; one 19th-century work; one 20th- or 21st-century work; one hymn of applicant’s choosing; memorization encouraged.
989-774-3281egler1s@cmich.eduCentral Michigan University

The College of Charleston • Charleston, S.C.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: By appointment
Application deadline: Feb. 1
Repertoire: Three contrasting works, from any period(s). If there has been prior piano study, one
piano work.
843-953-5927harlowj@cofc.eduCollege of Charleston

College of the Holy Cross • Worcester, Mass.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: Yes
Audition dates: By invitation after Jan. 15
Application deadline: Jan. 15
Repertoire: Recorded: one major Bach work; two contrasting works of the applicant’s choice; two prepared hymns with introductions. Live audition: repertoire as above (may be the same works); hymn sight-reading; preparation of a chant accompaniment (sent to the applicant in advance).
Additional materials: Detailed letter listing organ studies, church experience, and a repertoire list.
508-793-2284jdchrist@holycross.eduCollege of Holy Cross

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, Colo.Degree(s): B, MRecorded pre-audition required: NoAudition dates: Feb. 19, 20, 27Application deadline: Feb. 1Repertoire: Undergraduate: a Bach work and two short works in contrasting styles; Graduate: a major Bach work, works in both Romantic and modern styles; sight-reading; hymn-playing.970-491-2675joel.bacon@colostate.eduColorado State University

Concordia University-Irvine • Irvine, Calif.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: by appointment, year-round; priority scholarship consideration by March 1.
Application deadline: Mar. 1
Repertoire: two contrasting pieces with independent pedal; pianists may audition with a work of Bach and one other piece.
949-214-3651auditions@cui.eduConcordia University — Irvine

Curtis Institute of Music • Philadelphia, Pa.
Degree(s): B, Performer’s Certificate
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Feb. 4
Application deadline: Dec. 4
Repertoire: a major Bach prelude, fantasy, toccata & fugue, or passacaglia, any Bach allegro/vivace movement from Sonatas #1–6 (BWV 525–530), a Romantic work, a post-1930 work (all from memory); hymn sight-reading; short organ work sight-reading.
Additional materials: a work from the contemporary literature will be sent one month in advance to be performed at the audition (this work does not need to be memorized); all major/minor scales and arpeggios (4 octaves) should be prepared on piano.
215-717-3117chris.hodges@curtis.eduCurtis Institute of Music

Hope College • Holland, Mich.Degree(s): B, MRecorded pre-audition required: NoAudition dates: Feb. 14, Jan. 25, 30, Feb. 19Application deadline: Nov. 1Repertoire: Prepare no more than ten minutes of standard organ literature that you have studied thoroughly, and that you and your teacher believe represent your best work. It is recommended that you play one slow and one quick piece: one of the pieces must be by Bach, and the other must have been composed after 1850. Memorization is encouraged, though not required. Sight-reading.616-395-7650lewis@hope.edu

Indiana University of Pennsylvania • Indiana, Pa.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Oct. 29, Feb. 4, April 7
Application deadline: April 30
Repertoire: Two works, including one from the Ba­roque period, of contrasting styles; one hymn (include at least three registration changes); at least one work memorized.
Additional materials: Scholarship applicants must prepare a third contrasting work and a one-page statement of purpose for pursuing organ studies at IUP.
724-357-2390orgel@iup.eduIndiana University of Pennsylvania

Kansas State University • Manhattan, Kans.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: By appointment
Application deadline: Feb. 1
Repertoire: Undergraduate B.M.: three contrasting works from different stylistic periods, including one Bach work; audition repertoire should be no less than 15 minutes long. Undergraduate B.A.: two contrasting works from different stylistic periods, including one Bach work. Graduate: contrasting works from different stylistic periods, including one Bach work; audition repertoire should be about 30 minutes long.
Additional materials: Repertoire list
785-532-3830dpikeri@ksu.eduKansas State University

Northern Illinois University • DeKalb, Ill.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: Yes
Audition dates: By appointment
Application deadline: Feb. 22
Repertoire: A polyphonic composition in three voices (e.g. a Rheinberger trio, a three-voice chorale setting of Dupré); a composition of the applicant’s choice of comparable difficulty of Bach’s Eight Little Preludes and Fugues; a few short pedal exercises selected by the applicant; hymn sight-reading. Contact NIU School of Music for graduate repertoire.
Additional materials: See website
815-753-1546lslater@niu.eduNorthern Illinois University

Oberlin Conservatory of Music • Oberlin, Ohio
Degrees: B, M, performer’s certificate
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27
Application deadline: Jan. 30
Repertoire: one major Bach work; one Romantic work; one 20th- or 21st-century work; a work written before 1700 of any style or nationality may be played as well; hymn sight-reading.
440-775-8255conservatory.admissions@oberlin.eduOberlin Conservatory of Music

Ohio Wesleyan University • Delaware, Ohio
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: By appointment
Application deadline: March 7
Repertoire: One Bach prelude and fugue (one of the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues, or a comparable work); one Bach or similar chorale prelude; one work in a contrasting style.
740-368-3702musicd@owu.eduOhio Wesleyan University

Rice University–The Shepherd School of Music • Houston, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: No (undergraduate); yes (graduate)
Audition dates: Jan. 22–23, Feb. 5–6
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: Undergraduate: one major Bach work (excluding BWV 553–560); two contrasting post-1750 works; sight-reading; memorization of at least one work recommended. Master’s: a 30–45 minute program including one major Bach work; two or more contrasting works; memorization of at least one work recommended. Doctoral: pre-audition video: memorized program of one major Bach work; two additional contrasting works. Live audition: memorized program of one major Bach work; additional contrasting lyric and virtuosic selections.
713-348-4854musi@rice.eduRice University

Roberts Wesleyan College • Rochester, N.Y.
Degree(s): B
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Jan. 15, Feb. 26, March 19
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: Two or three contrasting works from different periods including one Baroque work, preferably by Bach; one hymn.
585-594-6320lauritzson_jillian@roberts.eduRoberts Wesleyan College

Rutgers University • New Brunswick, N.J.
Degree(s): B, M, D, Performer’s Certificate
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: By appointment
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: Undergraduate: one Bach work, one movement from a 19th-century work, one post-1900 work; hymn sight-reading. Master’s: one work from the North German or French Classical repertoire, one major Bach prelude and fugue; one major 19th-century work; one post-1960 work; hymn sight-reading; trio sight-reading. Doctoral or Artist Diploma: one work from the North German or French Classical repertoire; one chorale-based trio from Great Eighteen Chorales or Clavierübung III or one movement from one of the six sonatas by Bach, one major Bach prelude and fugue, one major 19th-century work; one post-1960 work; hymn sight-reading; trio sight-reading.
732-932-3848renee.anne.louprette@rutgers.eduRutgers University

Salem College • Winston-Salem, N.C.Degree(s): BRecorded pre-audition required: NoAudition dates: Feb. 13Application deadline: RollingRepertoire: Two or more movements of a Bach free work (Toccata/Prelude/Fantasia & Fugue; Trio Sonata; or Concerto), a movement or complete Romantic work, a movement or complete 20th- or 21st-century work; two stanzas of a hymn with an introduction.336-721-2724timothy.olsen@salem.eduSalem College

Stetson University School of Music • DeLand, Fla.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Feb. 6, 15, 20
Application deadline: Feb. 15
Repertoire: Works demonstrating familiarity with different styles.
Additional materials: Evaluation of aural skills and theoretical knowledge.
386-822-8975bjones@stetson.eduStetson University School of Music

University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music • Cincinnati, Ohio
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Jan. 16, Feb. 6, 20
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: Undergraduate: two contrasting works from the standard organ literature; sight-reading. Applicants with a strong piano background who wish to major in organ may elect to prepare a piano work from the standard repertoire as one of the two works. Graduate: three contrasting works from the standard organ literature (one 17th- or 18th- century work; two 19th-, 20th-, or 21st-century works); sight-reading.
513-556-9479ccmadmis@uc.eduUniversity of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music

University of Minnesota School of Music • Minneapolis, Minn.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Jan. 30, Feb. 6
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: Bachelor’s: three works of contrasting styles, including a Bach work. Master’s: 30-minute program including a Bach work and a Romantic work. Doctoral: 45-minute program including a Bach work and works from the 17th, 20th or 21st centuries; a Romantic work; skills tests (hymn playing, score reading, transposition, modulation, improvisation) may be given at all levels.
Additional materials: Repertoire list
612-624-2847mnmusic@umn.edu; anabel@umn.eduUniversity of Minnesota School of Music

University of North Carolina at Greensboro • Greensboro, N.C.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: Yes (graduate degrees)
Audition dates: Dec. 5, Jan. 30, Feb. 13, 27
Application deadline: Nov. 29
Repertoire: Bachelor’s: one Bach work, one work written between 1820 and 1920, one post-1920 work; a hymn may be used to fulfill one of the latter two requirements; sight-reading. Master’s: total of thirty minutes of music containing the following: 1) Bach: one prelude and fugue or a movement of a trio sonata; 2) one movement chosen from among the French Classic, North German Baroque or Iberian Baroque schools of composition; 3) one movement chosen from either German Romantic composers or Franck, Widor or Vierne; 4) one post-1945 work of any nationality; hymn-playing. Doctoral: At least forty-five minutes of music total, to include: 1) Bach: a prelude and fugue or two movements of a trio sonata; 2) from the French Classic school, either a) a complete Kyrie, Gloria, or Offertoire; or b) a complete suite or multi-movement hymn setting; 3) a large work of Liszt, Reubke or Reger or a virtuosic movement from the symphonies of Vierne or Widor; similar movements by composers of other nationalities may also be acceptable—please verify; 4) one post-1945 work; hymn-playing; sightreading.
336-334-5789adlash@uncg.eduUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro

University of North Carolina School of the Arts • Winston-Salem, N.C.
Degree(s): high school, B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Jan. 22, Feb. 5, 19, April 1
Application deadline: Jan. 15
Repertoire: High school: two contrasting works from different stylistic periods; a hymn played as if leading a congregation. Undergraduate: one Baroque work; one Romantic work; one 20th- or 21st-century work; one hymn. Graduate: one major free Bach work (including the trio sonatas); one Romantic work; one 20th- or 21st-century work; one hymn.
336-770-3260olsent@uncsa.eduUniversity of North Carolina School of the Arts

University of North Texas • Denton, Tex.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 27
Application deadline: Dec. 31
Repertoire: Undergraduate: 20–25 minutes of repertoire, including one or two Bach works; one 19th-century French or German work; one 20th-century work; one hymn. Graduate: 30 minutes of repertoire, including one major Bach work; one major 19th- or 20th-century work; one lyrical expressive work; hymn of applicant’s choosing.
Additional materials: Repertoire list
940-565-4094jesse.eschbach@unt.eduUniversity of North Texas

University of Oregon School of Music and Dance • Eugene, Ore.
Degree(s): B, M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: by appointment
Application deadline: Jan. 5
Repertoire: Undergraduate: three works of contrasting styles (15¬–20 minutes total); sight-reading; Graduate: four works of contrasting styles, including one major Bach movement (25–30 minutes total); sight-reading.
541-346-3791bbaird@uoregon.eduUniversity of Oregon

University of Redlands • Redlands, Calif.
Degree(s): B, M, Performer’s Certificate
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Jan. 16, 30, Feb. 20
Application deadline: Jan. 15
Repertoire: Undergraduate: two contrasting works from different stylistic periods; Graduate: three complete solo works including a major work or concerto.
909-748-8014brad_andrews@redlands.eduUniversity of Redlands

University of St. Thomas • St. Paul, Minn.
Degree(s): B, M, D, Performer’s Certificate
Recorded pre-audition required: Yes
Audition dates: rolling online auditions, Feb. 27
Application deadline: Jan. 15
Repertoire: three contrasting works, such as a work by J.S. Bach, a 19th-century work, and a 20th-century work; a balance of styles should be exhibited, including at least one virtuosic work and one expressive work.
651-962-5850music@stthomas.eduUniversity of St. Thomas

West Chester University School of Music • West Chester, Pa.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Nov. 3, 17, Dec. 1, Jan. 19, Feb. 2, 16, March 15
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: One Bach prelude and fugue (or equivalent); one 19th-century work (one movement); one 20th- or 21st-century work (one movement).
Additional materials: Repertoire list; professional experience; former schools and teachers.
610-436-2739musicinfo@wcupa.eduWest Chester University School of Music

Westminster Choir College of Rider University • Princeton, N.J.
Degree(s): B, M
Recorded pre-audition required: No
Audition dates: Undergraduate: Jan. 30, Feb. 13; graduate: Feb. 19, 26, March 11
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: Undergraduate performance (all of the following, of which one must be from memory): one Bach work; one 19th- or 20th-century work; all major and minor scales (four octaves); sight-reading of hymns. Graduate performance (all of the following, of which one must be from memory): one major Bach work; one major 19th- or 20th-century work. Undergraduate and Graduate sacred music/organ primary (all of the following, of which one must be from memory: one Bach work; one 19th- or 20th-century work; any three scales (four octaves); sight-reading of hymns. Applicants with little or no organ background may audition for entrance to the organ department by following the requirements for piano principals available at Rider.edu/wcc.
Additional materials: Repertoire list
609-921-7100drobinson@rider.eduWestminster Choir College of Rider University

Yale Institute of Sacred Music • New Haven, Conn.
Degree(s): M, D
Recorded pre-audition required: Yes
Audition dates: Feb. 26–March 2
Application deadline: Dec. 1
Repertoire: Recorded: one major Bach work, one Romantic work, and a contemporary work. Live audition: works from the same three categories; applicants strongly encouraged, though not required, to perform different works than those on recording; sight-reading and other skills.
203-432-9753ism.admissions@yale.eduYale Institute of Sacred Music

Live Streaming Events

American Guild of Organists 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260 New York, NY 10115
Phone: 212-870-2310Email: info@agohq.org
Major support for this website was provided by the New York City AGO Chapter’s Centennial Millennium Fund.